From medical design to a manufacturable solution

Within the 3D Lab at Radboud UMC in Nijmegen (the Netherlands), patient-specific solutions are developed for complex orthopaedic and craniomaxillofacial cases. The lab is responsible for the design of implants and drilling and sawing guides, where precision and control are crucial. Radboud UMC deliberately works with partners who are reliable, honour agreements and place quality at the centre. “In our search for a manufacturer of patient-specific implants and guides, we also found it important that they are capable of translating a design into a manufacturable product and that their process and way of working align with the working methods and speed of our lab,” according to Radboud UMC.

Partnership

This collaboration with Xilloc arose from that need, with a clear division of roles: the 3D Lab at Radboud UMC is responsible for the design of the product, including material selection and product specifications, while Xilloc is responsible for production, sterile delivery and the manufacturing process. Through the long-standing collaboration, a way of working has developed in which both parties are well attuned to one another.

In practice, however, that division of roles is not strictly linear. Throughout the process there is continuous coordination, consideration is given to manufacturability, and checks are carried out to ensure that designs are technically feasible. Xilloc also verifies whether designs genuinely meet the production requirements, after which, following any necessary adjustments, the manufacturing process begins and multiple quality checks are carried out to safeguard the desired quality.

“We can rely on the product being delivered on time and according to specifications. This provides peace of mind and makes the process efficient and predictable.”

In addition, practical alignment with clinical reality also plays an important role. Because the products are used in the operating theatre, sterility is essential. “Xilloc supplies the implants in a sterile condition and takes responsibility for this, which simplifies the logistics process, contributes to safe use in clinical practice and saves time. Particularly in urgent requests, speed is of great value: in acute situations, the implant can sometimes be delivered as early as the next day.”

Results

The impact of the collaboration is most visible in the day-to-day practice of the 3D Lab. “Through the collaboration with Xilloc, it is possible to switch quickly and to align patient-specific requirements during the design process. The short lines of communication, clear agreements and flexibility ensure that work can be carried out efficiently and that design, production and application are well aligned. In this way, the combined expertise of our 3D Lab and Xilloc is used to best effect, enabling us together to play an important role in personalising care.”